The Township of Lanark Highlands announces the upcoming retirement of Treasurer Rhonda Whitmarsh, effective December 31, 2025. Rhonda has provided invaluable leadership and expertise during her time with the Township, leaving behind strengthened financial systems and practices.

During her tenure, Ms. Whitmarsh successfully brought the Township up to date on the 2023 and 2024 municipal audits, introduced a comprehensive annual budget process, implemented enhanced financial processes and controls, updated the Township’s procurement policy and numerous financial by-laws and policies, and positioned the Township to meet provincial Asset Management Planning requirements.

“Rhonda’s contributions have been instrumental in improving and advancing the Township’s financial operations and ensuring we are well-prepared for the future,” said Reeve Peter McLaren. “On behalf of Council, staff, and our whole community, I want to thank her sincerely for her hard work, her professionalism, and the guidance provided to Lanark Highlands.”

As part of her commitment to a smooth transition, Ms. Whitmarsh will assist with the recruitment of the Township’s next Treasurer and support the onboarding of her successor. This will help ensure continuity in financial management and stability during the transition period.

Her contributions and dedication to excellence have left a lasting impact on the Township and will benefit the community for years to come. While we are happy for her as she begins this next chapter, she will be deeply missed by Council, staff, and colleagues.

Take Notice That the Committee of Adjustment of the Township of Lanark Highlands will hold an IN-PERSON MEETING as per the procedural By-law on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 6:15 pm. to hear an application for a minor variance in accordance with Section 45 of the Planning Act. Attend in person at the Municipal Complex, 75 George Street, Lanark ON, to participate in the public meeting in order to assist the Committee in its review of the proposal, you are requested to provide comments on or before September 18th, 2025.

Purpose and Effect: The proposed Minor Variance is being requested for 619 Fairs Lane in order to rebuild the existing cottage with a rear addition to 4 season standards, the removal of two outhouses, and a 2000 gallon holding tank with a new septic system approved by the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority. Minimum setback from the shoreline is 100 ft. variance would have the effect of reducing it to 9ft.

Other Related Applications: N/A

Public Hearing: You can attend the public hearing in person, or you may be represented by counsel or an agent to provide information, to comment, or to ask questions about this application. Signed written submissions that relate to the application shall be accepted by the Clerk before or during the hearing of the application at the address above and shall be available to any interested person for inspection at the hearing.

Failure to Attend the Hearing: - If you do not attend this public hearing, it may proceed in your absence and, except as otherwise provided in the Planning Act, you will not be entitled to any further notice in the proceedings.

Notice of Decision: A certified copy of the decision, together with a notice of the last day for appealing to the Ontario Land Tribunal shall be sent no later than 10 days from the notice of the decision to the applicant, and to each person who filed with the secretary-treasurer a written request for notice of decision.

Additional Information: Additional information regarding the proposed Minor Variance will be available for public inspection at the Township of Lanark Highlands Municipal Office by appointment during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Dated at the Township of Lanark Highlands this 4th day of September 2025.

Application for Minor Variance

The Township of Lanark Highlands advises that the Fire Ban has been lifted effective August 29, 2025.

Residents are reminded to continue exercising caution when burning and to follow all applicable burning by-laws and permit requirements. Please ensure fires are never left unattended and are fully extinguished before leaving the area.

Thank you for your cooperation during the fire ban period.

NOTICE is provided that the Council of the Township of Lanark Highlands proposes to enact a By-law to approve Zoning By-Law Amendment ZA-2025-04 (795198 Ontario Inc) at its Regular Council Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers located at 75 George Street, Lanark, commencing at 6:00 p.m. Members of the public may also listen to Council proceedings on the conference bridge.

The meeting agenda is available in the Council meeting portal: https://pub-lanarkhighlands.escribemeetings.com

The Township of Lanark Highlands is developing a Corporate Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, and we want to hear from you. This plan will help guide Council decisions, priorities, and investments over the next five years, and your input is essential.

If you’re unable to attend one of our upcoming Community Conversation sessions, you can still share your ideas and perspectives by completing our online survey. The survey gives you the opportunity to tell us about your priorities, what services matter most to you, and what opportunities you see for the future of Lanark Highlands.

Your feedback will directly inform the Strategic Plan, ensuring it reflects the needs and aspirations of residents, businesses, and community members across the Township.

Strategic Plan Survey

The survey will remain open until September 20, 2025. Don’t miss the chance to help shape the future of our community.

Due to extremely dry conditions and no rain in the forecast, the Township of Lanark Highlands has moved from a partial burn ban to a total burn ban, effective Sunday, 10 August 2025.

Under a total burn ban NO OPEN AIR BURNING is permitted within the Municipality, including campfires and fireworks.

Anyone found burning during this ban may face a fine and will be held responsible for all costs related to investigating, controlling and extinguishing any fire set or left unattended.

This ban will remain in place until further notice.

Questions about the burn ban can by directed to the Lanark Highlands Fire Service – 613-259-2398 x 236.

Join Us for a Community Conversation

The Township of Lanark Highlands is developing a Corporate Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, and we would like to hear from you.

We’re hosting four public consultation sessions this August and September, and we’re inviting residents, business owners, and community members to share their ideas, concerns, and aspirations for the future of our municipality.

These sessions will provide an overview of our strategic planning process and offer you the opportunity to help shape the direction of our community over the next five years.

Upcoming Consultation Sessions:

August 20
Tatlock Hall – 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Lanark Municipal Offices – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

September 17
McDonald’s Corners Agricultural Hall – 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Middleville Community Hall – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

September 18
Robertson Lake Hall – 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Darling White Lake Centre – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

What We’ll Be Talking About
We’ll be asking questions like:

● What does success look like for Lanark Highlands?
● What new opportunities should we be considering?
● Where could we improve the services and work we already do?
● If you could pick three priorities for Council to focus on—what would they be?

A strategic plan helps define our shared mission, vision, and values—and ensures the Township’s goals reflect the needs and aspirations of the people who live, work, and invest here.

Your voice matters. Your input will directly inform the plan that guides decisions, priorities, and investments from 2026 through 2030.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Thomas Cavanagh Construction Company Limited is scheduled to begin overnight paving work on County Road 15 (Ferguson Falls Road) from Pine Grove Road to Highway 7 next week.

Night paving operations will take place beginning the evening of Monday, July 28 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and again each night through to Thursday, July 31.

Work crews will be active during overnight hours to complete asphalt paving with minimal impact to daytime traffic. During this time, one lane will remain open to traffic. A pilot vehicle will be in operation to safely guide vehicles through the construction zone.

Motorists are reminded to exercise caution, follow signage and flagging personnel, and expect minor delays.

The Township of Lanark Highlands has installed security cameras and signage in and around the ball diamond area at Clyde Memorial Park in an effort to address ongoing incidents of vandalism and ensure the safety and enjoyment of this public space.

These measures align with the Township’s commitment to maintaining community amenities and have been implemented in accordance with the Township’s Video Surveillance Policy.

To learn more, please view the Video Surveillance Policy.